Rockie Weekly Horoscope April 7-13

On Wednesday Saturn came out of retrograde, where it's been back pedaling since Thanksgiving, while Venus left Aquarius for Pisces, the sign in which she does some of her best work. The weekend could be memorable, probably because blood-thirsty Mars confronts subversive Pluto, a disaster in the making. Stay safe. The full moon next Thursday usually reveals the balancing act taking place between Arian impulsiveness and Libran deliberation. Just in time to avoid another heated discussion, Mars abandons Gemini that day for family and food friendly Cancer.

If our clever cards aren't enough, if you must have a birthday celebration commensurate with the esteem in which we hold you, try to schedule your event to coincide with the Aries-Libra full moon on the 13th. That's also the day your headstrong Mars ruler crosses into foodand family-centered Cancer, a kinder, gentler sign than argumentative Gemini. This way you can gather your lunatic fringe in the middle of the week and still have the weekends for private affairs. Speaking of arguments, do whatever you can to sidestep the big one scheduled for Saturday.

This year Palm Sunday emits a more religious vibe than Easter does, so if you want to experience a spiritual high, plan to do something special on the 9th. Remember, now that your artistic Venus ruler is in rhythmic Pisces, music will make an even deeper impression than usual. It's not only the stimuli you're reacting to, but also the people providing them. One more thing: Glamorous, iconic Neptune in your Aquarius midheaven, the spot where your reputation is made, is supported by the life-giving sun this weekend. Rock star.

For a better understanding of the here and now, trace the connection between what occurred around Mardi Gras, the first time your Mercury ruler tested Pluto's resolve, to what happened when Mercury turned retrograde at the beginning of March. This puzzle should be completed when Mercury squares Pluto for the third and final time during the full moon on Thursday. Because Pluto is in your Sagittarius house of partners the picture may look a lot like one of them. Incidentally, aggressive Mars leaving your sign on the 13th takes a good deal of feistiness with it.

The wild blue yonder may seem more attractive now that appreciative Venus will be sailing through oceanic Pisces, a compatible water sign until May 3. Although the friction currently generated by folks you work with or the service providers you deal with can demand your attention, except for the usual full moon weirdness, you're pretty much out of the woods. However, if distant shores are calling to you, trust the goddess to find a good reason to send you out of town, preferably while Venus favors lucky Jupiter around the 20th.

There's a happy harmony brewing as your sun ruler and idealistic Neptune in your partnership house form a supportive alliance this weekend. An opportunity will present itself, a promise may be delivered. Nice. The fair-and-balanced Libra full moon on the 13th could set the stage for a compromise that'll be reached on Easter when the fiery Aries sun trines powerful Pluto in Sagittarius. Even if your involvement is not obvious, Lions can benefit indirectly from the rewarding fire sign trine. All this and you don't have to lift a finger.

To offset the tension generated by quick-to-anger Mars in your career midheaven confronting manipulative Pluto nestled in the family circle, now you can count on the presence of affable, equitable Venus in your Pisces house of partners. She'll be glad to mediate whatever conflict may arise this weekend. Another change you may appreciate is the departure of your Mercury ruler from vast and vague Pisces, where it's been since Feb. 8, on Easter Sunday. Unless you're writing poetry, two months is a long time to be stuck in the same mode of expression.

The full moon in Libra makes yours the sign people will turn to, if only to decide what to do for Easter. You get to choose what's best for all concerned and, because these folks are attuned to your emotional wave-length, they'll probably go along with your suggestions. Is this why Libra energy is described as the "iron fist in the velvet glove"? In contrast to your role as leader-mentor is the martyr mind-set you could fall into while your Venus ruler transits Pisces, the sign of self-abnegation, not to mention self-flagellation. Checks and balances, please.

If you manage not to bite your nose to spite your facea typical Scorpionic tacticyou should come through the opposition this weekend between Mars and Pluto, your co-ruling planets, intact. Remember that as long as benevolent Jupiter is in your sign, you'll be protected. Even though the jolly giant is currently retrograde, good things will continue to happen, especially around the 20th while lucky Venus and lucky Jupiter form a rewarding trine. That's also when the sun enters Taurus, the sign of your cosmic soul mate.

Keep it artistic and romantic. The Aries-Libra full moon on the 13th illuminates the love-friendship axis on your solar chart, the area where your creative impulse shines. Since aggressive Mars is leaving Gemini that day, your partners, both in life and in business, could become less contentious than they've been the last two months. Wouldn't it be nice to enjoy a holiday dinner without wondering who is going to take offense next? Relax, come Easter Sunday the "pure of heart" Aries sun and regenerative Pluto in Sag perfect their rewarding trine.

A career matter could come to a head while the moon is full in your Libra midheaven. But if it turns out to be not that big a deal, if it's only your reputation and not your livelihood that's at stake, follow the line of least resistance. You don't need to make life any harder for yourself, especially while assertive Mars stomps through your Cancer house of allies and antagonists for the next seven weeks. Mars can generate moments of pure passion and maybe lots of make-up sex; however, be aware that the warrior is on the warpath.

With appreciative, artistic Venus taking her annual trip through your Pisces house of values and assets, you can bet you're headed for a shopping spree. Try to pace yourself. Comparison shop online this week so that you can pounce on a bargain when Venus meets your state-of-the-art Uranus ruler on the 18th. Since their merger favors your more esoteric, idiosyncratic tastes, make sure you know what you're getting yourself into before springing for the big bucks. FYI: that entire week revolves around money coming in and money going out.

Now that Venus is in Pisces, you're bound to be even more attractive, more lovable and more popular than you've been since March 2005, which is when the goddess last transited your sign. Make the most of the attention that'll be paid, especially while Venus joins innovative Uranus the week after Easter. By then Mercury will have moved on to Aries and you won't have to explain yourself; you can just stand there and look luscious. More good news: On the 13th energetic Mars enters comfortable, caring Cancer, a compatible water sign.